Learn to Play "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC | Guitar Lesson

Step into the heart of rock history with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Highway to Hell” by AC/DC—a song that needs no introduction. As the opening track and title song from their 1979 album, Highway to Hell cemented AC/DC’s place among the greatest rock bands of all time. With its instantly recognisable riff, tight rhythm playing, and bluesy soloing, this track remains a cornerstone of every serious guitarist’s repertoire.

In this detailed LickLibrary lesson, we guide you through every section of the track—from the iconic intro to the powerful chorus riffs and fiery lead parts. Along the way, you’ll sharpen your skills in power chords, slides, double stops, and string bending. This tutorial not only helps you nail the song exactly as it was recorded, but also strengthens your overall technique in the most musical and enjoyable way possible. This lesson is taught by Danny Gill.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

The foundation of “Highway to Hell” lies in its commanding power chords. Malcolm Young delivers some of the most iconic chord-based riffing in rock history here. Power chords give the riff its authority and punch, and in this lesson, you’ll learn how to voice them cleanly, control muting, and drive them with perfect timing. Mastering power chords is essential for rock rhythm guitar, improving your right-hand consistency and helping you lock in with the groove.

Slides

Slides play a key role in adding movement and attitude to the riffs and fills in “Highway to Hell.” Sliding into or out of notes adds character and a vocal-like quality to your phrasing. You’ll learn how to incorporate both long and short slides to transition between chord shapes and scale tones smoothly. Practising slides enhances your fretboard control and improves phrasing for both rhythm and lead guitar.

Double Stops

Angus Young makes great use of double stops in his lead lines and melodic fills. These two-note harmonies bring a thicker sound and bluesy bite to solos and fills. In this lesson, we show you how to play them cleanly, control muting, and use them to give your lead playing more grit and personality. Double stops also train finger independence and fretting-hand coordination, which are critical for confident lead playing.

String Bending

Angus’s expressive soloing wouldn’t be complete without his signature string bending. “Highway to Hell” features perfectly placed bends that ooze bluesy emotion and flair. You’ll learn how to perform controlled, pitch-accurate bends with musical intent—whether bending to a sustained high note or adding subtle motion to a phrase. Bending improves your ear training, strengthens your fingers, and adds a crucial layer of expressiveness to your solos.

Why Learn “Highway to Hell”?

Learning “Highway to Hell” isn’t just about adding a classic track to your setlist—it’s about mastering the fundamental techniques that underpin great rock guitar. Every part of the song reinforces essential skills: rhythm precision, expressive solo phrasing, musical timing, and tone control. It’s a song that every guitarist should know—not just to play, but to understand what makes a riff timeless and effective.

With our LickLibrary lesson, you get the tools to learn it all—on-screen tab, slow demonstrations, and expert instruction every step of the way. You’ll not only sound like the record, but also gain the technique and confidence to apply these skills across your playing.

Whether you're a lifelong AC/DC fan or a guitarist looking to sharpen your classic rock toolkit, this lesson is a must.

About the Guitarists: Angus and Malcolm Young

The twin engines behind AC/DC’s sound, Angus and Malcolm Young, changed the face of hard rock with their stripped-down, riff-heavy style. Malcolm’s rhythm playing is legendary for its tightness, tone, and precision, providing the perfect platform for Angus to launch into his signature blues-infused leads. On “Highway to Hell,” their roles are on full display—Malcolm’s gritty chord work drives the song forward while Angus adds flash, feel, and melodic punch. Learning this track offers more than just a song—it’s an education in how two guitars can work together with perfect synergy.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Slides
• Double Stops
• String Bending

Unlock the power and simplicity of one of rock’s most iconic anthems with our “Highway to Hell” guitar lesson. Every riff, every lick, every bend—delivered note for note with the precision and insight you expect from LickLibrary.